Global MHD simulations of the magnetosphere reveal unsteady vortical plasma flows at the mesoscale, similar in appearance to fluid turbulence at moderate Reynolds numbers, in the magnetotail under a variety of solarwind conditions and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientations. Such results are not unexpected in view of satellite data for magnetotail plasmaflow properties and the chaotic nature of the model MHD equations. Simu lations generated with the Integrated Space Weather Prediction Model that are driven by either steady-state or highly variable solar-wind and IMF con ditions suggest mesoscale vortical flows to be pervasive and robust features of magnetotail dynamics. Intermittent surges in simulated plasma flows are suggestive of bursty bulk flows. Autocorrelation functions for fluctuating properties in the simulated plasma sheet compare favorably to correspond ing statistical reductions of satellite data.
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